Japan - F1 Prediction League (Round 15)

Last time Vettel won the championship in Japan

Here we are again, Japan - back again in that familiar position where a Vettel win might end the championship. Such has been the measure of his season, that an eighth win in Korea brings his win percentage for a season equal fourth (since 1965) behind only himself (2011) and his fellow German Michael Schumacher (2002 and 2004).

Thanks to everyone for their contributions in the last thread about their Vettel banning preferences. After weighing up everyone's votes and comments, I've decided that banning Vettel for race and Red Bull for constructors is the best option. There isn't quite enough evidence to ban Vettel from qualifying yet and many expressed concerns about the ban due to Hamilton's qualifying strength. 

The F1 prediction league season is coming towards the real crunch time, we should see a lot of variety for both race and constructors. Could Raikkonen, Hamilton, Alonso, Grosjean, Rosberg or Webber be the highest scorer? Equally Lotus, Mercedes and Ferrari seem well matched for constructors. I'm looking forward to seeing who everyone picks!

To refresh your memories, here's a quick round-up of the standings so far:

 

For other F1 prediction league articles, please go to: http://formulaoneanalysis.blogspot.co.uk/p/blog-page.html

Also see the driver speculation 2014 page for constructors offers etc.

---------------------------------------------------------------------

Random Category for Japan

Where will the following drivers qualify and finish the race?

 

Esteban Gutiérrez

Jean-Éric Vergne

Nico Rosberg

 

The scoring system works as follows:

 

Correct pick       8 points

+ or - 1 place     5 points

+ or - 2               3 points

+ or - 3               2 points

+ or - 4               1 point

+ or - 5 or over   0 points 

 

If a driver retires, no one will score any points for that driver's race pick.

 

If players are tied on overall points, the decision will be made on countback (i.e. most 8 point scores, most 5 point scores etc.). If players are tied in all categories, time of posting will be the decider.

Points will be allocated on the following basis:

Best picker: 3 points

2nd and 3rd: 2 points

4th, 5th and 6th: 1 point

Note: if there is an overall tie on weekend points (qualifying, race, constructors and random) and the usual method of race > constructors > qualifying > random cannot settle the difference, constructors points will be decided on random score (the number out of 48). Usually the next decider is on time posted but if there is a tie overall random will be more important in deciding what points to allocate.

 

--------------------------------------------------------------

Post your picks in the following format -

Qualifying:

Race:

Constructors:

Random: 

Esteban Gutiérrez (   ,   )

Jean-Éric Vergne (   ,   )

Nico Rosberg (   ,  )

The deadline for Suzuka picks is Friday 11th October 02:00 GMT (before FP1). Effectively pick on Thursday to be safe.

Good luck!